You know that feeling when you check into a downtown hotel and the room is the size of a shoebox? It’s basically a bed and a tiny desk if you’re lucky. That’s usually the trade-off for staying in the heart of a major city like Chicago. But the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop is a weird outlier in the best possible way. Located inside the historic Roanoke Building at 11 South LaSalle Street, this place doesn’t feel like your standard, cookie-cutter Marriott property. It’s got this strange, beautiful mix of 1920s Portuguese Gothic architecture and modern "I actually have room to breathe" layouts that you just don't find elsewhere in the Loop.
Most people booking a stay here are looking for a place to crash during a business trip or a family weekend at Millennium Park. They expect a bed. They get a full-blown apartment.
The building itself is a landmark. Built in phases between 1915 and 1925, the Roanoke Building was designed by Holabird & Roche, the same architectural heavyweights behind the Chicago Board of Trade. When you walk into the lobby, you aren't walking into a sterile, modern glass box. You’re walking into a piece of Chicago history that was painstakingly converted into a hotel around 2015. It’s the kind of place where the elevators feel solid and the hallways have character. Honestly, staying here feels a bit like you’ve inherited a very wealthy great-uncle’s city pied-à-terre.
The Room Situation at Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop
Here is the thing about the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop that trips people up: it is technically an extended-stay hotel. But don't let that term fool you. It doesn't mean it’s boring or utilitarian. In fact, it's the opposite.
Every single room is a suite. You get a full kitchen. We aren't talking about a "hospitality suite" with a microwave and a mini-fridge that barely fits a bottle of water. We’re talking full-sized refrigerators, stovetops, dishwashers, and all the silverware you’d need to actually cook a meal. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re in town for a week-long conference at McCormick Place, having a fridge for leftovers or a place to make actual coffee in the morning is a game changer. It saves a fortune.
The ceilings are high. Like, really high. Because it’s an old office building, the vertical space is massive, making even the smaller studio suites feel bigger than they actually are. The windows are large too, though your view will vary wildly. Some rooms look out onto the bustling LaSalle Street—the "Wall Street of the Midwest"—while others look into the internal light well of the building. Pro tip: if you want the "city vibe," ask for a high floor facing the street, but if you’re a light sleeper, those interior rooms are incredibly quiet.
Why the Location Matters (and Why It Doesn't)
You're in the Loop. That means you are in the literal center of the city's nervous system.
Within a ten-minute walk, you can hit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Board of Trade, and the Willis Tower. The hotel is basically equidistant from every major "L" train line. If you need to get to O'Hare or Midway, the Blue and Orange lines are right there. It is the definition of "central."
However, the Loop has a reputation for becoming a ghost town after 6:00 PM once the bankers and lawyers head home. If you want a wild nightlife scene right outside your front door, this isn't the neighborhood for it. You’ll want to head north to River North or the West Loop for that. But for many, the quietness of the Loop at night is a blessing. You get to sleep without the sound of sirens and intoxicated tourists screaming outside your window, which is a rare find in Chicago.
The Logistics of Staying Here
Let's talk about the stuff no one likes to talk about: parking and elevators.
Valet parking is expensive. There’s no way around it. You’re looking at $70+ a night, which is standard for downtown Chicago but still stings. If you’re driving, honestly, look into apps like SpotHero. There are garages nearby that will save you $30 a day if you don’t mind walking two blocks.
Then there are the elevators. Because it’s a historic building with over 30 floors and 380 rooms, the elevators can be a bit... deliberate. During peak checkout times around 11:00 AM, you might wait a few minutes. Plan for it. It’s a small price to pay for the architectural charm, but if you’re rushing for a flight, those five minutes feel like an hour.
Breakfast and Dining
One of the big perks of the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop is the free breakfast. Usually, "hotel breakfast" means soggy eggs and a sad toaster. Here, it’s actually decent. They have a rotating spread of hot items, fresh fruit, and—blessedly—good coffee.
For dinner, the hotel has an on-site bar and lounge called Roanoke Restaurant. It’s actually quite popular with locals for power lunches. The rotisserie chicken is their claim to fame, and it’s genuinely good. If you don't feel like eating in the hotel, you are surrounded by legendary spots. You’ve got Italian Village around the corner (the oldest Italian restaurant in the city) and Revive Food Hall a block away, which features some of the best local chefs in a casual setting.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Hotel
People often confuse this property with the other Marriott options nearby, like the JW Marriott or the W. While those are flashier, they lack the "home" feeling. The Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop isn't trying to be a trendy boutique hotel with neon lights and a DJ in the lobby. It’s trying to be a place where you can actually live for a few days.
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Another misconception is that it's only for business travelers. While the proximity to the financial district makes it a suit-and-tie hotspot, families thrive here. Having a separate living area means parents can stay up and watch TV while the kids sleep in the bedroom area. You can't put a price on that kind of sanity.
Nuance and Realities of the LaSalle Street Corridor
The LaSalle Street area is currently undergoing a massive transformation. Many of the old office buildings are being converted into residential units. This means the neighborhood is feeling "lived in" for the first time in decades.
Is it perfect? No. Some parts of the Loop can feel a bit gritty, and like any major city, you need to keep your wits about you. But the Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop has excellent security and a 24-hour front desk that makes you feel very safe. The staff here is surprisingly tenured; you’ll see the same faces year after year, which says a lot about how the place is run.
The Fitness Center and Extras
If you’re a gym rat, you’ll be happy. The fitness center is huge for a downtown hotel. It’s not a cramped closet with two treadmills. They have Peloton bikes, plenty of free weights, and enough space to actually do a burpee without hitting a wall.
They also offer a grocery delivery service. You fill out a list, and they’ll stock your fridge before you arrive. It’s one of those "extended stay" perks that even short-term guests should take advantage of. Why pay $10 for a bag of chips in a gift shop when you can have a full bag of groceries waiting for you?
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning a trip, keep these specifics in mind to make the most of the experience.
- Request a room with a view: Not all suites are created equal. The "City View" rooms are significantly better for the "Chicago experience."
- Use the pedway: If you’re visiting in the winter, ask the concierge about the Chicago Pedway. It’s a system of underground tunnels that connects buildings in the Loop. You can get to the Macy's on State Street or the Metra stations without ever stepping outside into the wind chill.
- The Laundry Room: There is a guest laundry room on-site. If you’re traveling light or with kids, this is a lifesaver.
- Check the vents: In historic buildings, HVAC systems can be a bit loud. If you're a sensitive sleeper, bring a white noise machine, though most guests find the "thrum" of the city to be enough.
The Residence Inn Chicago Downtown/Loop represents a specific kind of travel philosophy. It’s for the person who wants the convenience of the city center but hates the cramped reality of urban hotels. It’s for the traveler who wants a kitchen not because they plan on cooking a five-course meal, but because they want the option to eat a bowl of cereal in their pajamas at 11:00 PM.
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Staying here is about balance. You get the 1920s grandeur of the Roanoke Building combined with the modern reliability of the Marriott brand. It’s a solid, dependable, and surprisingly spacious choice in a city that usually charges a premium for every square inch.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Convention Calendar: Before booking, look at the schedule for McCormick Place or large city marathons. Prices at this location can triple during major events.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the member rates at this property often shave $20-$40 off the nightly price.
- Download SpotHero: Do not pay the valet price unless you absolutely have to. You can find covered, secure parking within two blocks for a fraction of the cost.
- Pin Your "Must-Sees": Since you’re central, map out your interests. Millennium Park is a 10-minute walk east; the West Loop food scene is a 15-minute walk west. Use your central location to avoid expensive Ubers.